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Willow bark is an ancient alternative medicine. We know this from the ancient manuscripts of the Assyrian, the Egyptian and the Greek. The Egyptians used it as a remedy for inflammation. Hippocrates, Dioscorides and Galen the Greek physicians used Willow bark to reduce fever and sooth lower back pain, inflamed joints and other pains. Since 500BC the Chinese have used it to relieve pain and fever. Willow bark was also used by the American natives to control sexual desire. Willow bark is also called Salix alba and White willow. It is a tree commonly found in southern and central Europe, and central and western Asia. Very often it is called nature's aspirin. The salicylic acid in aspirin is responsible for the pain relief properties. Willow bark is also rich in this active component. Willow bark is effective in killing pain associated with of inflammation. Some of these are joint pain, back pain, rheumatism, gout and arthritis. It can give relief to headache, colds and flu and reduce fever. Willow bark can help with weight loss by boosting metabolism. Americans of the colonial days used Willow bark as a treatment for food poisoning, gout, fever and inflammation. It gives relief to heartburn, colic, sour stomach and other gastrointestinal disorders. This herb is an antiseptic and excellent for burns, wounds, cuts, sores, dandruff and tonsillitis. Willow bark is usually safe and well tolerated. It is not a recommended herb for pregnant and nursing women. If you are allergic to aspirin, avoid using Willow bark. It must not be taken by people who are undergoing operation two weeks before and after the surgery. Willow bark may cause complications with wound healing and bleeding disorder. This herb is known to interact with some medications. Anyone that suffers from gastritis and ulcers should not use Willow bark. Do not give this herb to children with chickenpox, viral infection and fever. For those sufferers of liver or kidney conditions Willow bark is not recommended because it aggravates the problem. In addition, people who have blood clot disorders must also avoid taking this herb. Daily or long term use of Willow bark should not be undertaken. This could diminish sexual desire and cause damage to stomach, kidney and liver. Willow bark is available as tablets, capsules, tea or tincture. The standard dosage is 400mg 3 times daily. You can make a tea by pouring 250 ml of boiling water over 1000mg of Willow bark leaves. Then let it steep for at least 5 minutes before drinking. Clinical studies have found that for a minority of migraine sufferers, using feverfew and Willow bark together produce better results. Today herbalists continue to use Willow bark as a remedy for arthritis, fevers, inflammation, headaches, body pain and heart disease. Researchers believed it is more powerful than aspirin. Willow bark contains other active ingredients not found in aspirin. It is also proven to have a longer lasting relief than aspirin and more gentle to the stomach.
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About the Author: Paulina Jenkins has a blog with information on plants, herbs that are used as alternative medicine. Willow bark kills pain and reduces fever and Willow bark is more powerful than aspirin.
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